HC asks KSPCB for report on sewage separation

The Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to submit a report on a decision being taken for separating the flow of sewage into a major storm-water drain (raja kaluve) passing through Kothanur Dinne and J.P Nagar localities.

Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh issued the direction while hearing a batch of petitions in which allegations such as construction of storm-water drains on private land by the government agencies and orders passed by the tahsildar on encroachment of government lands abutting the storm-water drain by private parties were being questioned by an educational institution and some other individuals.

The petitioners also complained that the authorities are letting the sewage into the storm-water drain causing serious problems to landowners as well as those residing nearby.

During an earlier hearing, the court had asked the authorities to lay underground sewerage to prevent entry of sewage into storm-water drains.

On Monday, the court sought a report from the KSPCB while ordering issue of notice to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahangara Palike (BBMP). Further hearing will be on August 8.